Directory

The Association of Retired Conservationists was organized by a group of retirees from the Wisconsin Conservation Department in the 1960's. By the mid-1970's, the WCD had been combined with the Department of Resource Development to form the Department of Natural Resources, and the retirees group had grown significantly, met monthly for lunch and began inviting speakers to address the group on issues of interest to the members. Today, the organization has more than two hundred members.

website contact: retiredrick@wisarc.org

What's New in 2018a?

Member SinceNameYears of ServiceDiv/Bureau
JanuaryRobert Rolley25Science Services
JanuaryJack Sullivan36Science Services
FebruarySteve Holaday25Forestry
FebruaryDon Faith26Air Mgmt
FebruaryLarry Landsness37Water Mgmt
MarchJoe Brehm40Air Mgmt
AprilJohn Lyons26Air Mgmt
AprilTom Blattner33UW
JulySue Jones20Dane County
JulyGary Heinrichs27Water Mgmt
AugustSusan Sylvester27Water Mgmt







Evert, Carl H. Jr.
MARXVILLE

Carl H. Evert Jr., age 80, passed away peacefully at his home in Marxville surrounded by his family on Nov. 10, 2018. He was born in Madison on Nov. 28, 1937, to the late Carl H. and Dorothy (Young) Evert Sr. Carl graduated from Mazomanie High School; class of 1955. Following high school Carl attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, later returning home to manage the family farm. On Aug. 1, 1959, he married Jeanne L. Wieneke. While farming, Carl attended UW-Madison, he graduated in 1965 with a B,.S. in Biology.

Soon after graduating, Carl started a long career with the State of Wisconsin DNR where he would eventually be appointed director of Real Estate until his retirement in 1997. Carl enjoyed the outdoors and developed his own prairie, ponds, woods and trails throughout his 155 acre farm. He enjoyed hunting upland game birds and waterfowl, growing his own grapes for wine, tapping maple trees for syrup and cutting firewood. He was a sports fan following the Badgers, Packers and Brewers.

Carl and Jeanne enjoyed tennis together playing in leagues for many years. Aside from his interest in the outdoors and sports, Carl studied history; he served on the Berry town planning commission; boards for the Cross Plains-Berry Historical Society, the Mazomanie Historical Society and the local food pantry. Faith was very important to Carl. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Marxville, where he formerly taught religious education and was a member of the church council.

Carl is survived by his wife, Jeanne; three children, Carl “Chuck” (Barbara) Evert III of Janesville, Michael (Kathryn) Evert of Cross Plains, Valerie (Michael) Wandschneider of Kohler; seven grandchildren, Carly (Jeffrey) Davis, Austin “AJ” Evert (Sarah Kirschbaum), Robert and Audrey Evert, Madeleine, Nicholas, and Nadia Wandschneider; one great-grandchild, Hallie Jeanne Davis; and brother, William (Alyce) Evert. He is further survived by other relatives and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., on Nov. 17, 2018, at ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 8748 State Hwy 19, Mazomanie. A visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., on Nov. 16, 2018, at HOOVERSON FUNERAL HOME, 251 Water St., Sauk City, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be held in the church cemetery.

Carl’s family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to Dr. Jarzemsky and his staff at the Cross Plains Clinic, Cross Plains Pharmacy and Agrace Hospice for their care.




Vennie III, James G.
MAZOMANIE

James G. Vennie III, age 71, passed away peacefully at his home in Mazomanie on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. James Gilbert Vennie III was born on Oct. 9, 1947, in Portage, the son of Robert and Dorothy (Burrows) Vennie. Growing up Jim was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Portage. He was also a member of Boy Scout Troop 70; where he flourished and received the status of an Eagle Scout. James graduated from Portage High School in 1966. He served in the U.S. Air Force for four years as a Geographical Surveyor. He received his Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degree in Natural Resources and Computer Science from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point.

James worked for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources throughout his career from 1978 to 2011. He loved to cross-country ski and participated in the American Birkebeiner for over 20 years. He was a member of NALMS (North American Lake Management Society) and was an advocate for healthy lakes and clean waterways. Jim enjoyed computers, fishing, canoeing, photography, traveling, and was a loving father.

James is survived by his wife, Joan (Bauer) Vennie; two daughters, Erin Beth (Jacob) Vennie-Vollrath of Saranac Lake, N.Y., and Katelyn May Vennie of Stevensville, Mont.; sisters, Sally (Roger) Dowd of Sheboygan, Linda (Robert) Leis of Washburn; his granddaughter, Anya Jade Vennie-Vollrath and other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at PFLANZ MANTEY MENDRALA FUNERAL HOME in Portage, on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018, at 1 p.m., with Pastor Jen Johnson officiating.

Military honors will be provided by the Portage Area Veterans Honor Guard following the service. Inurnment will follow at Forest Cemetery in Stevens Point at 3:30 p.m. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Nov. 10, 2018, from 12 noon until the time of service.




Narf, Richard Philip 'Dick'
OREGON/MADISON

Richard Narf, age 79, of Oregon, passed away on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, due to complications from an infection. He was born on April 13,1939, the son of Philip and Helen Narf. Richard led an active life filled with numerous accolades, from breeding champion Siberian Huskies at Butterfly Acres Kennels to many entomological discoveries. His research was well documented in one of his many spellbinding research papers like “Emergence Pattern of Stoneflies (Plecoptera) in Otter Creek, Wisconsin.” A stonefly, now named zealeuctra narfi, was his limnological breakthrough and the must-see bug of the year. Yes, that’s right, our legacy is that we have a bug named after us! Not everyone can say that. In fact, one of us probably sucked that thing into a jar as Dad turned over rocks for us along the creek bed.

Dad spent most of his career working for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Research, keeping lakes alive and constantly bringing bugs home to live in our refrigerator, van, basement, garage—you know, just like anyone who brings their work home with them. He was passionate about the waterways and the ecosystem and proudly served as an executive member of the North American Benthological Society (we had to google that one too so don’t feel bad). Because he had too much time on his hands, or perhaps because he needed an escape, he was also a member of the American Entomological Society, as well as a charter member, and past president of the Wisconsin Entomological Society.

Dad, of course, could not slow down in retirement and would spend hours in his woodshop making dog sleds. He also had a thing for cut and blown glass and dabbled in fine antiques; we blame his parents for that. He rekindled his love of astronomy and especially photography, always taking things to the next level. He won many awards for his photographs of orchids, as well as birds, particularly (no surprise here) waterfowl. No matter what he did, he was always a perfectionist just like his father.

Then the grandkids moved in. He spent countless hours playing with them, reading them breathtaking best sellers like, “Birds of North America” and “For the Love of Insects” in between driving them to soccer practice, and helping them raise (of course), bugs. From stick-bugs to caterpillars he was introducing his new generation to his passion. He also played a mean game of M&M and Twizzler keep-away, by hiding stashes that will be found for years to come, if the bugs don’t get them first. Seriously, we don’t know where they are all stashed. For these and so many more reasons, Richard will be missed by many. (We, however, will not miss the bugs).

Richard is survived by his daughter, Maria Narf Spuller; son, Steven Narf, daughter-in-law, Aryka (Johnson); and his grandchildren, Kai, Adric and Clara. He is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; and his parents.

A celebration of Richard’s life will be held at OLBRICH BOTANICAL GARDENS, 3330 Atwood Ave., Madison, on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018, at 7 p.m. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Agrace and also the nurses and doctors at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com




Beghin, Donald Lee
MOUNT HOREB

Our family lost a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018. Donald Beghin passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital surrounded by his family, Thursday, on Nov. 1, 2018. See obitury here. He was born on May 9, 1927, in Mauston, to Louis and Clara Beghin. Donald grew up on a farm north west of Wisconsin Dells. He graduated from Wisconsin Dells high school in 1945 and was recently inducted into the Wisconsin Dells Hall of Fame. Called to duty in World War II, he served in the U.S. Army and completed a tour in Italy, then was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in March of 1947.

After returning home he attended UW Madison, studying animal husbandry and agriculture. During summer breaks he was a tour guide driving the Wisconsin Dells excursion boats on the river.

On Oct. 26, 1949, he was appointed Conservation Warden for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. He had a long and distinguished career with the DNR holding many positions, including field warden, boating administrator and district warden. Donald was one of the first wardens with wings, piloting the DNR’s first aircraft. He created the Wisconsin Boater, Hunter and Snowmobile Safety Programs. Don received the Governors Special Award for 33 years of service to the state of Wisconsin. His career culminated with the position of Chief Warden which he held for nine years before retiring in 1983.

Don married the love of his life, Marian Marie Parsons from Portage, on June 12, 1954. Together they raised four children. Donald enjoyed life to the fullest with his family. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing. When there was talk of a fishing trip, Don was ready to go. Fishing trips to Fitchie Lake, Canada and Ball Club Lake, Minn. with friends and family were a regular pilgrimage. He enjoyed working with wood and helped to create heirloom furniture made from the trees on the farm. Because of his roots in farming, he loved to get his hands in the dirt. In retirement, Don and Marian traveled extensively enjoying many trips abroad and crisscrossing the country in their motorhome. He enjoyed a good game of bridge and never turned down a game of cribbage. He was a member of the United Methodist Church in Mount Horeb and a proud member of the American Legion.

Left to honor his memory is his wife of 64 years, Marian; his children, Bradley (Mechelle), Randall (Terri), Patricia (Mike) and Lynn (Alan); his sister, Betty; grandson, Daniel; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Clara Beghin; and his brothers, Kenneth and Robert.

A Memorial Service will be held at MOUNT HOREB UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 9542 County Highway S, Mount Horeb, at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018, with Reverend Julie Wilson presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the start of the service on Friday.

The family would like to thank St. Mary’s Hospital and the ICU staff for their excellent compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Badger Honor Flight, a charitable cause that Don felt strongly about, or to the Wisconsin’s Endangered Resources Fund.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com




Sperling, David Larry
MADISON

David Larry Sperling, age 66, of Madison, passed away on Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, at SSM Health-St. Mary’s Hospital. He was born in White Plains, N.Y., the son of David and Phyllis (Hadfield) Sperling.

David graduated from UW-Madison. David worked for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. He was a proud editor of Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine for the DNR for 30+ years. David was also a leader in the community. He was a strong advocate for environmental conservation. David was a talented cook and entertainer, and loved to travel, especially with his family. Family was a primary focus of his life. He was a husband, father, son, brother, and friend, who loved and protected passionately and relentlessly and impacted everyone he met.

David is survived by his wife, Sharon; son, David J. Sperling; daughter, Sarah Sperling; sisters, Maggie, Alice and Louise; and nephews, Daniel and Gideon. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the World Wildlife Fund.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com




Nicotera, Ron
MADISON/GOODYEAR, AZ

Ron Nicotera passed away on Oct. 2, 2018, at the age of 81. Ron was raised in Twin Lakes, attending Cottage Grade School and Wilmot High School, graduating class of 1954.

Ron graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in Biological Conservation in 1958, and served the State of Wisconsin at the Department of Natural Resources his entire career. As a conservation manager, Ron worked on the development of the Bong Air Force base, into what is now known as Bong State Recreational area in western Kenosha County. Prior to his retirement from State service in 1992, Ron led the division to protect Wisconsin's endangered species.

Ron married his high school sweetheart, Marlene Hoffman from Genoa City, in 1958, and had three children, Timothy, Seattle, Wash., Dan, Milwaukee, and Mark, Phoenix, Ariz. Ron and Marlene also have three grandchildren, Allison, Emily and Nathan.

Ron's retirement years were spent in Adams/Friendship and Bonita Springs, Fla. Ron and Marlene relocated to Arizona in 2017 while fleeing Hurricane Erma. Ron lived a full life, staying active and doing extensive traveling both here and abroad.

Ron is survived by his wife, Marlene of Phoenix; three sons; three grandchildren; a sister, Donna Unseth of Florida; a sister-in-law, Kay (Marvin) Anderson, Union Grove; nieces and nephews who loved him dearly




Pyrek, Thaddeus 'Ted' J.
HORICON

Thaddeus 'Ted' J. Pyrek, age 72, of Horicon passed away on Monday, August 13, 2018 at his home with his family by his side.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at Sacred Heart Parish in Horicon at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Fr. Justin Lopina presiding. A visitation will take place on Saturday, August 18, from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass at 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will take place at St. Malachy Cemetery in Horicon with military honors conducted by the Horicon American Legion Post #157.

Ted was born the son of Thaddeus S. and Jessie (Zachacz) Pyrek on July 29, 1946 in Chicago. He was a 1964 graduate of Marquette University High School in Milwaukee. He then went on to the University of Montana where he received his Bachelor's degree in Forestry in 1969. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin in Madison where he completed his Master's in Forestry in 1974.

Ted was united in marriage to Geri Lynn Martin on August 21, 1971 in Milwaukee. He was a veteran of the US Army serving his country from 1969-1971 including one tour of duty in Vietnam. Ted spent his career in natural resource management as a forester for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources from 1974 until his retirement in 2007. Ted was an active member of Sacred Heart Parish in Horicon, where he served in many capacities such as trustee, parish council, and the finance committee. He also was active at St. Malachy School where he served on the school board. Ted was a member of the Horicon Rotary Club, where he served as past president and was a Paul Harris Fellow award recipient. He was a member of the Horicon American Legion Post #157 and the Society of American Foresters.

Horicon was an important part of Ted's life and he helped serve his community as a past 3rd district alderperson, helped Horicon become a Tree City, and served on the library board. In 2017 Ted received the Horicon Community Service Award. In his spare time Ted enjoyed being outdoors, especially while he was on his bicycle, and loved the time spent with his family and grandchildren.

Ted is survived by his wife Geri of Horicon. His daughters- Holly A. (Reid) Sollberger of Eau Claire, Erin M. Pyrek of Lexington, KY., and Rebecca J. (Benjamin) Kimmet of Viroqua. His 7 grandchildren- Margaret R. Sollberger, Henry P. Sollberger, Lucille A. Sollberger, Jacob L. Kimmet, Amelia C. Kimmet, Sebastian T. Kimmet, and Isaac M. Kimmet. His siblings- Thomas R. (Mary Ellen Stolder) Pyrek of La Crosse, and Janine D. (Timothy Walsh) Pyrek of Brevard, NC. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Special thanks to the doctor's, nurses, and staff at Hillside Hospice for the care and support shown to Ted and his family, and to family and friends who remembered Ted and his family in their prayers.

Online condolences may be made at:

Koepsell Funeral Home






Our own Jerry Stein has been out with his camera again capturing changes made to state offices located in Madison, that many of us worked in during our careers at WDNR. How things have changed.


As many of you may remember, the old Pyare Square building was taken down in 2016 . . .


. . . and this is what the area looks like now!!!


Just across the street was the Hill Farms Office building, built 57 years ago, that primarily housed Department of Transportation employees. It is being taken down now . . .


piece by piece . . .


. . . as the state employees are just moving into their new $150 million office building . . .


. . . that will now house 2,000 employees from the DOT and departments of Employee Trust Funds, Safety and Professional Services, and Financial Institutions; DOA’s hearings and appeals and facilities management divisions; the Public Service Commission; the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commission; the Higher Educational Aids Board; and the Educational Approval Board.






July 2019

Sue Jones started her career with the Department of Natural Resources in Water Regulation & Zoning. After 5 years she moved to the Federal Environmental Protection Agency and spent 8 years working in the water quality section in both Chicago and Madison. In 1998 she began working for Dane County serving as the Dane County Lake Watershed Management Coordinator. Sue retired from the County in February 2018. Sue enjoys biking, kayaking and photography. She lives in Madison and is also involved with the Madison Symphony Chorus participating in their week concerts from September through May.



July 2019

After a 27 year career in Watershed Management Gary Heinrichs retired on June 11, 2016. He served as the Lead Floodplain Planner implementing floodplain zoning codes in 550 communities working extensively in the field during the 1993, 97 and 98 flood years. He provided technical support to communities, served as the liaison with FEMA and was the State’s Floodplain Insurance Program liaison. He is still active in the State Flood Management Association, outreach research and remains on-call for FEMA disasters.




Lovett, Orville, Lee"
DEFOREST

Lee Lovett, age 78, of DeForest, Wis., passed away on Monday, June 11, 2018, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. He was born on Jan. 4, 1940, in Jamestown, Ohio, the son of Ralph and Bertha (Weaver) Lovett. Lee graduated from Greeneview High School in Jamestown, Ohio. He married Helen Denbow, on Aug. 26, 1961, in Wilmington, Ohio. Lee received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilmington College, Wilmington, Ohio in 1962, and his master’s degree in entomology from the UW-Madison in 1964.


He worked as an entomologist and later a supervisor for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection from 1964 through 2001. Lee was a member of Bashford United Methodist Church in Madison from 1963 until his death, serving on many committees and singing in the choir. He was most committed to the annual mission trip to the Tree of Life Mission on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in South Dakota.

Lee was an artist in wood and watercolor, completing many carvings and paintings, and for several years he carved with the DeWhittlers of DeForest. Lee was very physically active, especially in running, biking and cross-country skiing. He participated in many races, including two marathons and competed in the American Birkebeiner ski race at least 10 times. Lee especially loved all things outdoors, including birding, archery, hunting, fishing, trap shooting and sporting-clays shooting. He made annual trips west to hunt with friends and family.

Lee is survived by his wife, Helen; two sons, Brian (Jennifer) Lovett, 51, of Oshkosh, and Eric (Andrea) Lovett, 49, and their children, Robbie, 10, and Alex, 5, of Mendota Heights, Minn.; sister, Ruth Gills of Jamestown, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Gene, Jim and Max; and sisters, Helen and Mildred.

A memorial service for Lee will be held at BASHFORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 329 North St., Madison, at 12 Noon, on Saturday, June 16, 2018, with Dr. Amanda Stein presiding. A visitation will be held at the church, at 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Orville’s name to Agrace HospiceCare or Bashford United Methodist Tree of Life Mission on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com




Polasek, Joseph P.
MONONA

Joe, age 65, passed away Saturday, June 9, 2018, at his home. He was born June 24, 1952, in Milwaukee, the son of Patricia Jane Polasek and Joseph Patrick Polasek Sr. Growing up, Joe was a straight A student, played basketball, and was Prom King at St. Francis High School. He attended the UW-Whitewater, receiving his undergraduate degree in Political Science. During his years at Whitewater, Joe was student body president, a member of the Delta Chi fraternity and was the first student ever elected to the Whitewater City Council. Joe then received his masters in Public Administration at UW-Madison.

Joe started his career with the State of Wisconsin in 1975, in the Department of Administration as a budget analyst, where he worked for nine years. He then began his life’s work in the Department of Natural Resources in 1984. During that time, he was instrumental in administering nearly every major state environmental policy. Every DNR program has Joe’s fingerprints on it. He was an avid sports fan and always the life of the party. Joe was a loving father to his son, Mike, and daughter, Lindsay. He was a second dad to many of their friends that referred to him fondly as Joe Pa. He shared 20 years of marriage and decades of a loving friendship after with Lori Jolin.

Joe is survived by his beloved kids, Mike (Christen) and Lindsay Polasek; mother, Patricia Polasek; and nephews, Steven (Tracy) and Kevin (Jodie) Polasek. He was preceded in death by his father; brother, Phillip Polasek; and sister-in-law, Barbara Polasek.

A visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Friday, June 15, 2018.

A Celebration of Life will follow at the COME BACK IN, 508 E. Wilson St. in downtown Madison.





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Kathy Kahler, Associate Editor, Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, will discuss retirees sharing some of their career highlights in an upcoming edition of the Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, celebrating it's 50th year of publication in 2018.


Dear Fellow DNR Retiree:

You may have seen that Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine is celebrating the 50th anniversary of DNR throughout our 2018 issue-year. We began with a story in the Spring issue about how DNR came to be and our Summer issue will carry an 8-page timeline of key events in the agency's history.

What's missing - and this is where we would like your help - are firsthand accounts of what has made DNR a special place to work. We're planning a story for the Fall or Winter issue that celebrates your contributions and memories. We're asking you to share those highlights with us, and more importantly, our readers who are loyal fans of DNR and the magazine. It could be something like the one from Kermit Traska's profile about his first task in 1968 placing new DNR logo stickers over the painted WCD logos on department trucks, or Doris Rusch's account of finding her place in the male-dominated field of wildlife biology of the 1980s, or the part Lee Kernen played in "planting" coho and Chinook salmon in Lake Michigan. We would like you to be part of sharing the history of what it was like to be a part of the first super-agency in the nation.

So, if you're game, please send me an email or snail-mail of around 100 words by June 28. Your story can be amusing or poignant, deeply personal or reflective of a co-worker. If you have a photo of you or your story, all the better. We can scan photos or slides and return them to you. Depending on the response, we may not have space for them all and we reserve the right to edit entries. I can't wait to hear from you!


Kathy

Phone: (608) 266-2625
Email: Kathryn.kahler@wisconsin.gov











Gasser, Mariellen Rose
DEFOREST

Mariellen Rose Gasser, 69, of DeForest, Wis. joined her Heavenly Father on Saturday, May 26, 2018. Services will be 11 a.m. on Friday, June 1, 2018, at the WINDSOR UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST in Windsor, Wis., with Rev. Dr. Julie Overman officiating. Burial will be in the Windsor Cemetery in Windsor. Friends may call from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Friday morning at the church. The Haudenshield Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Cuba City, Wis. is serving the family.

Mariellen was born on Aug. 31, 1948, to Merlin and Ellen (Waugh) Gasser in Poynette, Wis. She graduated from DeForest High School and MATC. She worked for the State of Wisconsin at the Department of Natural Resources for 33 years in the Finance Section located in GEFII. She lived her entire life in the Windsor/DeForest area. She followed the Green Bay Packers, and the Badgers and all things Olympic. During her life she became quite the U.S. and world traveler. She enjoyed reading, stamp collecting, and history related shows as well as several game shows. She moved to Parkside Assisted Living in 2015, and found many new friends there. She enjoyed the regular outings to Walmart, Olbrich Gardens, and various Christmas rides to view lights, and was always up for a trip to the Sassy Cow for some ice cream. She also was active in many of the “in-house” activities, looking forward to all the special musical entertainment brought in, chair exercises and chair volleyball, helping fill eggs for the Easter egg hunts, making of some crafts and of course her favorite acivity — BINGO. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Mariellen is survived by three sisters, Janet (Richard) Krueger of Hazel Green, Wis., Lorraine Newlun of Windsor, Wis. and Audrey (Mitch) Weger of Madison, Wis.; along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother-in-law, Robert Newlun; and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

The family would like to thank the Rev. Dr. David McDonald and the Rev. Dr. Julie Overman for all of the visits and spiritual ministering to Mariellen through the years and especially during her final days. We would further like to thank her church family for all of their support and prayers. The family also would like to thank the staff of Agrace for their compassionate care and concern for Mariellen and helped make her final transition through this life easier. Thanks also to the amazing staff at Parkside Assisted living for all the love, care and compassion they gave during her years with them. We will miss you dearly sister, but heaven has gained a truly gentle and loving soul.

Online condolences may be left for the family at

www.haudenshieldfuneralhome.com




February 2018

Larry Landsness retired in October of 2017 after a 37 year career with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, all in Drinking Water program. Larry was based out of the GEFII building his whole career. He worked with municipalities and utilities located all over the state regarding their facilities and water treatment. He also worked specifically with 20 communities who drew their drinking water out of Lake Michigan and the associated treating of the water, making it safe for human consumption. In retirement, Larry enjoys travel to Europe, 4 trips, and traveling around the United States. He especially enjoys woodworking and will be making cabinets for a new home he and his wife are in the process of building . . . all on one level!




Lindberg, Richard D. 'Dick'
OREGON

Richard D. “Dick” Lindberg, age 88, of Oregon, passed away on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on April 25, 1929, in Sewickley, Pa., the son of Ewald and Ella (McKinlay) Lindberg. The family moved to Michigan where he grew up and graduated from Muskegon High School. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Following the war, Dick returned to college and earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan Tech.

He was united in marriage to Patricia "Pat" Cassidy on Nov. 11, 1954. Dick worked for the DNR in northern Wisconsin for many years, then moved to Oregon in 1967, continuing to work as a Forestry Planner with the DNR, retiring in 1989. He and Pat enjoyed traveling together.

They were active members of Holy Mother of Consolation Church. Dick also enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing, and volunteering with the AMVETS. Richard is survived by his wife, Pat; sons, Gregory (Denise) Lindberg and Paul (Cherie) Lindberg; grandchildren, Travis Lindberg, Evan (Amanda) Lindberg, Julia Lindberg, Zachary Lindberg and Noah Lindberg; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Daniel Lindberg; and brother, Alden (Aina) Lindberg.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 North Main St., at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to AMVETS. Online condolences may be made at Gunderson Oregon

www.gundersonfh.com



March 2018

Joe Brehm retired in July of 2016, three months shy of a 40 year career with WDNR. He started as an LTE for 4 years in both the solid waste management and water quality programs at the Southern District. In 1981, he started full time with the Bureau of Air Management and worked there in a wide variety of positions in both the Compliance and Permit Sections. At some point he was re-hired as an engineer. Joe worked with permitting gasoline transfers and sand mine operations. In retirement, he volunteers at Attic Angels as a driver and enjoys bow hunting, fly fishing and photography.







The 2018 Wisconsin Conservation Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for Roy and Charlotte Lukes, George Meyer and Arlie Schorger will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Earth Day, April 14, 2018 at Sentry Theater in Stevens Point. The public is invited.

A coffee reception will be held at 9 a.m. Following the ceremony, a luncheon will be held at 12:30 p.m. at the Sentry World Center. The Induction Ceremony and Coffee Reception are free and open to the public.

Reservations for lunch ($25 per person) may be made here online or by calling Schmeeckle Reserve at 715-346-4992.






The Special February Southern ARC Meeting was held February 21, in Estero, FL, at the Olive Garden located on Coconut Point.











Great meal, great friendship, great weather and all the breadsicks the group could eat!!!





Gyllander, Walter W.
IRON RIVER

Walter W. Gyllander, 73, of Iron River, died Monday, January 29, 2018, at St. Luke's Hospice in Duluth after a short illness.

Walter was born on June 15, 1944, in Grand Rapids, MN the son of Reino and Edna Gyllander.

He served his country in the Army National Guard. Walter worked for the Wisconsin DNR for 33 years retiring as an Area Forestry Supervisor. He was a member of the Brule Lions Club and the Brule Volunteer Fire Department.

Walt enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling. Most important to him was spending time with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and step-son, Gregory Gillespey.

Walt is survived by his wife of 21 years, Carol; sons, Grant (Janet) Gyllander and Greg (Sandy) Gyllander both of La Crosse, WI; grandchildren, Lillian, Grace, Gretta, Sara, Grady, Sully and Wiley; step-children, Tracy Gillespey of Herbster, WI and Darrin Gillespey of Superior; sister, Gail Shoemaker of Coleraine, MN; and a brother, Martin (Sandy) Gyllander of Park Rapids, MN.

A Celebration of Walt's Life will be held on Friday, February, 2, from 4-7p.m. at Downs Funeral Home, 1617 N 19th St., Superior.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walt's name to the Brule or Iron River Volunteer Fire Departments.

To sign the online guestbook, please visit

www.downsfh.com







'. . . the Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, while the format and graphic design of the publication have evolved over the decades, has been published since 1936. The focus on outdoor recreation, habitat management, nature study and environmental issues. Story authors range from fish and wildlife biologists, foresters and park naturalists, to volunteer land stewards and educators, with many more in between. This collection currently includes Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine issues from 1977 to 1995.'

Click here, or the photo above, to explore
old issues of the magazine.




February 2018

Steve Holaday Steve retired on August 1, 2017 after 25 years with the DNR. Steve started in 1992 in GEF II as a Water Resource Engineer in the Bureau of Water Resources. He then worked in the Bureau of Forestry as the first state Forest Hydrologist where he developed Wisconsin’s Forestry BMPs for Water Quality. Steve then moved to the Fitchburg office where he was the DNR Forester for Dane County from 1997 until his retirement. Steve enjoys his landscaping business, backpacking on the Pacific Crest Trail, and traveling with his wife Katie. They recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in Italy.






Runyan, Dean S.
SPRING GREEN

Dean S. Runyan, age 82, of Spring Green, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, following an extended illness. He was born on April 5, 1935, in Spring Green, the son of Sidney and Mildred (Snyder) Runyan. He was married on Oct. 3, 1959, to the former Lorraine A. Ruhland. He was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, and worked as a mechanic for the DNR for many years until his retirement in July of 1996, to pursue his passion of woodworking. Dean was an avid talker and self-taught himself his entire life, helping his children and grandchildren with many projects, and was always willing to give advice.

Survivors include his wife, Lorraine Runyan of Spring Green; three children, Deanna (Douglas) Louis of Lone Rock, Denise Runyan and friend, Brian Hake of Mount Horeb, and Tyran Runyan and friend, Kari Legler of Arena; five grandchildren, Dana Louis, Danielle and Dustin Roder, and Trae and Jessen Runyan; three brothers-in-law, Francis Ruhland, Charles (Sally) Ruhland and Ralph (Pat) Ruhland; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Mildred Runyan; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Kitty (Hank) Ringelstetter and Bonnie (Jack) Hickox; four brothers-in-law; and four sisters-in-law.

Email A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, at 11:30 a.m. at ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Spring Green. Father John Silva will officiate, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, at ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and again on Friday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass.

The Richardson-Stafford Funeral Home in Spring Green is assisting the family with the arrangements. Online condolences available at

www.staffordfuneralhomes.com




Stautz, Clayton
KEWASKUM

Clayton C. Stautz, 91, of Kewaskum, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at St. Joseph’s Hosptial.

Clayton was born on June 10, 1926, in the town of Kewaskum, the son of the late Clifford and Elsa (Bruessel) Stautz. On October 15, 1949, he was united in marriage to Aletta Quaas at St. John’s Lutheran Church in West Bend.

Clayton proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II and was actively involved in the Robert G. Romaine American Legion Post 384 Kewaskum, where he served as Commander three times. He was a member of West Bend V.F.W. Post 1393, 40-ET-8, Kewaskum Lions Club, Masonic Lodge 138 F & AM West Bend. He was also recognized as Legionnaire of the Year for Washington County. Clayton was a retired member of the Kewaskum Fire Department after 32 years of service. He spent 15 years volunteering for Habitat for Humanity and was a regular American Red Cross blood donor, over time donating 154 pints of blood. Clayton was employed as a carpenter by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for 38 ½ years building many of the signs and buildings at Mauthe and Long Lake.

Those Clayton leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife, Aletta; three children, Kevin (Laura) Stautz of Kewaskum, Stuart (Shirley) Stautz of Gurnee, Illinois, and Joanne Stautz of Kewaskum; grandchildren, Samantha Stautz, Amanda Stautz, Drew Daugherty, Alexia Stautz, Nicholas Stautz; a brother, Floyd (Ellen) Stautz of Madison; a sister-in-law, Alice Stautz of Shawno; other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Clayton was preceded in death by a brother, Jerome Stautz.

A funeral service for Clayton will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, January 29, 2018, at Peace United Church of Christ, 343 First Street, in Kewaskum with Rev. Eric Kirkegaard officiating.

Clayton’s family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

The Myrhum Patten Miller and Kietzer Funeral Home have been entrusted with Clayton’s arrangements.

Additional information and guest book may be found at

www.myrhum-patten.com




Northern Wisconsin Retirees
Monthly Meeting Schedule



The northern contingent of retired Wisconsin DNR employees also
meets monthly at different locations and would love to have visitors
stop and join them for lunch if they are in the area.

Click here, or above, for full schedule including
directions to restaurants.




January 2018

Before his recent retirement, Jack Sullivan served as Director of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Science Services Programs from 2000 – 2015. In this role he directed agency research in fish, wildlife, forestry and human dimensions. He came to the DNR in 1983 after serving as faculty/staff at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Water Chemistry Program.

In 1997 and 1998 he was on special assignment as an International Consultant for the United Nations working on environmental management issues in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. He has BS and MS degrees from the University of Wisconsin, with a specialty in Water Resources Engineering and is a Wisconsin Registered Professional Hydrologist.

Throughout his career he has been involved in emerging environmental issues and most recently has been focusing on adaptation strategies for climate change. In 2016 he received the “Climate Adaptation Leadership Award for Natural Resources” from the former Obama Administration. Jack also served on the Federal Advisory Board for the National Climate Science Centers and the Department of Interior Steering Committee for the Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Plan. He is currently a member of the Science Advisory Board for the Wisconsin Initiative for Climate Change Impacts.



January 2018

Robert Rolley retired in August 2017 after a 25 year career with the WDNR. He was stationed in Madison. Throughout his career he was a Wildlife Population Ecologist, initially in the Bureau of Research, then in Science Services and finally in the Office of Applied Science. He was responsible for analyses of wildlife population survey data and modeling population response to management strategies. He served on species advisory committees for white-tailed deer, elk, black bears, furbearers, and wild turkey providing consultation services for staff specialists in Wildlife Management. He coordinated the Wisconsin Checklist Project, a citizen science bird monitoring project. He also served on the Interagency CWD Health and Science Team and was responsible for evaluating the population effects of deer removal strategies.




Nigl, Rudolph M. "Rudy"
RICHLAND CENTER

Rudolph M. “Rudy” Nigl, age 84, of Richland Center, died suddenly at home on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017, with the chainsaw at his feet and his dog at his side.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanne Nigl of Richland Center, Wis.; four children, Rudy (Cherie) Nigl of Stoddard, Wis., Jeff (Pam) Nigl of Richland Center, Wis., Teresa (Patrick) Kash of Merrimac, Wis., and Patrick (Lora) Nigl of Beavercreek, Ohio; daughter-in-law, Mary Jo Nigl of Richland Center, Wis.; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Ronald (Nancy) Nigl of Oshkosh, Wis., and Ralph (Maribeth) Nigl of Oshkosh, Wis.; special daughter, Ledys (Derek) Updike; and three special grandchildren, Kiara, Kaden, and Khyle Updike.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Nigl; and grandson, Nicholas Nigl.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017, at 11 a.m. at ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH in Richland Center. Local Military Honors Unit will provide graveside rites in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 22, 2017, at the CLARY MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME in Richland Center from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. where a Rosary will be held at 2:30 p.m. and also on Saturday at church visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Mary’s school. Online condolences can be made at

www.clarymemorialfuneralhome.com




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